On June 18, 2026, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow received Alexander Dmitrievich Zhukov, the First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, at the Patriarchal and Synodal Residence of the Monastery of Saint Daniel in Moscow.
To recognise his contribution to the development of relations between the Church and the state, and to celebrate his 70th birthday, the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church awarded A. D. Zhukov the Order of the Holy Right-Believing Prince Alexander Nevsky, Second Class.
‘Your contribution to the modern political system and to the implementation of the country’s political objectives is significant,’ His Holiness said at the awards ceremony. ‘You are a true patriot who loves his homeland, and a devout Orthodox Christian. Throughout the history of our country, this has been, and remains, the most important factor in the success of political leaders.’
I pray that the Lord may strengthen you on this path, reinforcing all that needs to be strengthened in the legal sphere and taking into account your role in the legislative body. May you continue to have a positive impact on the lives of our people as far as possible. This is possible from the position in which God has placed you,” the Primate added.
In his response, the First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma stated: ‘Your Holiness, I thank you most sincerely for this high assessment of my work. We maintain close cooperation with the Russian Orthodox Church, with you personally and with the many dedicated individuals who serve and contribute. We strive to consider all aspects of legislation fully and to collaborate so as to avoid mistakes when adopting laws. It seems to me that we consistently manage to find a balance that satisfies legislators, the Russian Orthodox Church and the citizens of our country.”
‘We will continue to work in full mutual understanding and cooperation,’ he assured.
The Patriarch presented A. D. Zhukov with an ancient icon of the Most Holy Theotokos, ‘The Sign’ (‘Znamenie’), and blessed him and his wife, E. V. Zhukova, who was present at the meeting. He wished them prosperity for their family. He also wished A. D. Zhukov God’s help and strength to continue serving the Fatherland.
